Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

(Not Otherwise Eligible for Regular UI)

You will not be able to file weekly claims for PUA until your eligibility has been determined. If you qualify, your determination will provide further directions on how to file your weekly claims. If you are eligible for weeks that have already passed, you will be able to file for those at that time as well.

There is no need to call at this time. Your application will be processed as quickly as possible. Your patience is appreciated.

PUA Payments

Payment Amount:

Minimum weekly benefit amount: $163.

Maximum weekly benefit amount: $370.

Did You Know? All unemployment benefits are taxable. Withhold federal and state taxes from your weekly benefit NOW, so you don't have to pay them later. You can opt to have taxes withheld at https://my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov.

Benefit Amount:

1% of 2019 net income; subject to PUA minimum and maximum.

Duration of PUA Benefits (up to 39 weeks):

First Payable Week: Retroactive to week ending February 8, 2020 (or the first week an individual is out of work due to COVID-19, whichever is later).

Last Payable Week: Week ending December 26, 2020.

How to Apply for PUA

You will not be able to file weekly claims for PUA until your eligibility has been determined. If you qualify, your determination will provide further directions on how to file your weekly claims. If you are eligible for weeks that have already passed, you will be able to file for those at that time as well.

There is no need to call at this time. Your application will be processed as quickly as possible. Your patience is appreciated.

No, you should not apply for this benefit if you have a pending application for unemployment. If you have applied for and did not qualify or were denied for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and are out of work due to COVID-19 then you should apply for PUA. Beginning on Tuesday, 4/21/2020 the application is available online. If you are receiving regular UI benefits, you may not apply and will not be eligible for this benefit.

PUA will be a benefit for those who were working and are now out of work and were/are self-employed or others whose employment or employer does not contribute taxes towards regular unemployment; such as independent contractors. Beginning on Tuesday 4/21/2020 the application is available online. Those that are eligible for regular unemployment benefits are not eligible for PUA benefits. In addition, if you are unable to work due to COVID-19 you may be eligible. Below are some examples:

You have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

A member of your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

You are providing care to a household or family member who has been diagnosed
with COVID-19.

If you are an employee working for an employer, in most instances you will need to apply for regular unemployment. If you are self-employed you should apply online beginning on 4/21/2020. Only individuals who are out of work due to COVID-19 may be eligible for PUA.

Yes, you will need to file weekly claims to receive weekly payments. Once you are notified of eligibility for PUA you will be provided instructions on how to file your weekly claims. The weekly claims cannot be filed until you have been determined eligible.

Proof of employment and/or self-employment is required. If the state has no proof of your employment and you have provided no proof at the time of filing, you have 21 calendar days from the time you filed your application for PUA to meet this requirement. Failure to provide adequate proof of employment will result in your being ineligible for PUA. Acceptable proof of self-employment or wages may include the previous year's tax returns, financial statement, pay checks and stubs.

Fax:
(608) 327-6193
Include a cover sheet; Write ATTN: PUA on the cover sheet, and include: 1) the number of pages you are faxing (excluding cover sheet), 2) your complete name and 3) social security number.

When a claimant has successfully submitted their PUA applications, a large red box will be displayed across the top of their claimant portal dashboard containing the following message: "Your application has been received. Please allow 30 days for processing."

An individual cannot receive Social Security Disability (SSDI) payments and unemployment benefits concurrently (See s. 108.04(12)(f), Wis. Stats.) If an individual is receiving SSDI, they must report this information on their initial claim and weekly claim certifications. State law is applicable for PUA as well.